Legendary Chicago Bears

George Halas

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Tribune archive photo
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July 9, 2014
)

George Halas meant everything to the sport he devoted his life to as a player, founder, owner and coach. Halas founded the Decatur Staleys in 1920, moved the team to Chicago in 1921 and then, as player-owner-coach, changed the name to the Bears, where he was coach until 1967, collecting 324 wins and six NFL titles. Halas was also instrumental in the formation of the National Football League, representing the Staleys at the first organizational meeting in Canton, Ohio. The man affectionately called Papa Bear was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1963.